Jack.
Between seven and eight thousand a year.
Lady Bracknell. [Makes a note in her book.] In land, or in investments?
Jack.
In investments, chiefly.
Lady Bracknell.
That is satisfactory.
What between the duties expected of one during one's lifetime, and the duties exacted from one after one's death, land has ceased to be either a profit or a pleasure.
It gives one position, and prevents one from keeping it up.
That's all that can be said about land.
Jack.
I have a country house with some land, of course, attached to it, about fifteen hundred acres, I believe; but I don't depend on that for my real income.
In fact, as far as I can make out, the poachers are the only people who make anything out of it.
Lady Bracknell.
A country house!
How many bedrooms?
Well, that point can be cleared up afterwards.
You have a town house, I hope?
A girl with a simple, unspoiled nature, like Gwendolen, could hardly be expected to reside in the country.
Jack.
Well, I own a house in Belgrave Square, but it is let by the year to Lady Bloxham.
Of course, I can get it back whenever I like, at six months' notice.
Lady Bracknell.
Lady Bloxham?
I don't know her.
Jack.
Oh, she goes about very little.
She is a lady considerably advanced in years.
Lady Bracknell.
Ah, nowadays that is no guarantee of respectability of character.
What number in Belgrave Square?
Jack.
149.
Lady Bracknell. [Shaking her head.] The unfashionable side.
I thought there was something.
However, that could easily be altered.
Jack.
Do you mean the fashion, or the side?
Lady Bracknell. [Sternly.] Both, if necessary, I presume.
What are your polities?
Jack.
Well, I am afraid I really have none.
I am a Liberal Unionist.
Lady Bracknell.
Oh, they count as Tories.
They dine with us.
Or come in the evening, at any rate.
Now to minor matters.
Are your parents living?
Jack.